US removes Syria from state sponsors of terrorism list after nearly 50 years

The United States formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the move followed the conclusion of a mandatory 45-day congressional notification period and is intended to eliminate major barriers to investment and economic recovery in the country. President Donald Trump initiated the process in July. Rubio also confirmed the delisting of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity. These actions follow the political transition in Syria and the rise of the government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Secretary Rubio stated that the Syrian government has taken positive steps toward counterterrorism, including joining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and disrupting networks linked to al-Qa’ida and Hizballah. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani described the move as a key step toward restoring Syria's access to the global financial system. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that the decision aligns with President Trump’s commitment to providing sanctions relief to promote stability in Syria.